Trump Slams Door on 12 Nations: New U.S. Travel Ban Sparks Global Outcry

iNewsAfrica | NYC Bureau | June 5, 2025

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U.S. President Donald J. Trump has signed a sweeping proclamation reinstating a controversial travel ban targeting 12 countries, most of them African and Muslim-majority states. Announced from the White House in Washington D.C., the policy takes effect June 9, 2025, and has triggered condemnation from international human rights groups and African leaders.

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• U.S. imposes full travel bans on 12 countries, partial restrictions on 7 others

• Trump cites national security and visa overstay risks as justification

• Critics call the move discriminatory and politically motivated

• African Union and civil rights advocates condemn the policy

• Proclamation signed and announced at the White House on June 4

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Washington D.C. – U.S. President Donald J. Trump has reintroduced and expanded a controversial travel ban affecting several African and Muslim-majority countries, reviving one of his administration’s hallmark immigration policies. The executive proclamation was signed and announced at the White House on June 4, 2025, and will go into effect on June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.

The sweeping directive imposes a full travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, effectively suspending the issuance of both immigrant and non-immigrant visas for nationals from:

• Afghanistan

• Myanmar (Burma)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

In addition, seven other countries will face partial visa restrictions—limiting or suspending specific categories such as tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas. These countries include:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

President Trump stated the decision was made in the interest of protecting U.S. citizens from terrorist threats and curbing illegal overstays of visas. Citing a recent case in Colorado involving a visa overstayer from Egypt, Trump claimed the policy is a “preemptive defense mechanism” to prevent potential security risks—despite Egypt not being on the restricted list.

“We are a nation of laws. We welcome those who follow them. But we cannot and will not allow our borders to remain open to nations that don’t cooperate or pose risks to our citizens,” Trump said during a nationally televised statement from the East Room.

The policy builds on Executive Order 14161, which mandated federal agencies to reassess vetting procedures, and references the 2018 Trump v. Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that upheld the president’s authority to implement travel restrictions based on national security.

Who is Exempt?
Exemptions to the new ban include:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

• Individuals with valid visas issued prior to June 9

• Dual nationals traveling on passports from non-restricted countries

• Diplomats and certain official categories

• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders

• Athletes participating in global events like the 2026 Olympics

Global Backlash
The announcement has been met with widespread criticism:

• The African Union Commission called the policy “a setback for U.S.-Africa relations” and warned of the damage to diplomatic and academic partnerships.

• Oxfam America and other human rights groups slammed the decision as xenophobic and regressive.

• Several Democratic lawmakers accused Trump of using fear-driven policies to energize his political base ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

“Just like his first Muslim Ban, this latest announcement flies in the face of basic morality and goes directly against our values. This racist policy will not make us safe, it will separate families and endanger lives. We cannot let it stand.” —Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.).”

In New York City, which hosts one of the largest African diasporas in the U.S., immigration attorneys and affected families are preparing legal challenges and emergency filings.

“This will deeply impact African students, workers, and families with pending reunification cases,” said Abiola Fashola, a Nigerian-American immigration advocate. “It’s déjà vu from 2017, but with broader consequences.”

Looking Ahead
Legal challenges are expected in federal courts, while civil rights groups gear up to resist the implementation. The travel ban could redefine immigration flows and international relations, particularly between the U.S. and Africa.

As the world reacts, iNewsAfrica will continue tracking the policy’s implementation and its effects on diaspora communities, diplomatic relations, and the global movement for equitable immigration policies.

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For updates, contact our NYC Bureau at publisher@inewsafrica.com
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